Veena Shankar

My daughter is five and usually loves school. But after every weekend or holiday, she refuses to get back to school, and I have a hard time persuading her. I know it’s a common issue, but it’s a pain. Any solutions? — R.S.

This problem is not unique to children. Adults also suffer ‘Monday morning blues’ or reluctance to begin work after a break. Most kids have the same problem after a few days of fun and freedom.
Here are some suggestions to make your child look forward to school.

• Get her to call a few school friends the previous day on the phone. This could make them eager to see each other again.
• Buy small gifts or sweets for your child to distribute to her classmates on re-opening day. If you have been on a vacation, you could bring souvenirs to distribute to her classmates.
• Offer a small reward if she gets ready for school in time, without fuss. Praise her when she does it.
• Explain to your child often about why school is important, and how learning can help us do many exciting things in the future.